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Fabrics by Durability Ratings


Abrasion testing is done by rubbing a fabric to determine how long the fabric will last before showing wear. The higher the rub count, the longer it will last. There are two standard methods of testing: Wyzenbeek and Martindale. Look for the terms Double Rubs or DR. Typically when a fabric is an upholstery fabric it will always have a double rub rating, however some drapery fabrics will also show a double rub test rating which are typically in the range of 10,000 or less.
Heavy Duty Fabrics
Heavy Duty Fabrics >
21,000 to 50,000 Double Rubs
Residential and Commercial use. Fabrics that can withstand kids and pets (with exceptions of course).
High Performance Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics >
51,000 to 80,000 Double Rubs
Resisdential upholstery for regular use. Office and Public Seating
High Wear Commercial Upholstery Fabrics
High Wear Commercial Upholstery Fabrics >
80,000+ Double Rubs
Commercial grade heavy duty fabrics.
Light Duty Fabrics
Light Duty Fabrics >
5,000 to 9,000 Double Rubs
Multipurpose fabrics for occasional use furniture and pillows.
Medium Duty Fabrics
Medium Duty Fabrics >
10,000 to 20,000 Double Rubs
Upholstery fabrics for the home.
Durables IV Fabric
Durables IV >
Charlotte Fabrics Durables IV Contract and commercial patterns, colors and textures.

Durables IV
Fundamentals - Contract Fabric
Fundamentals - Contract >
Scalamandre Fabrics Fundamentals - Contract includes a range of contract grade upholstery fabrics.

Fundamentals - Contract
The Wyzenbeek double rub test is a back and forth rub while the Martindale test rubs in a figure eight pattern. The higher the double rub test rating the longer the fabric will last.